By Riley Murphy

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

In an unassuming area of Bolton on Healey Road, those walking past detect notes of freshly baked bread coming out of one of the storefronts.

This new Italian shop, La Focaccia, belongs to brothers Jonathon and Stefan Cambouris, and is slowly becoming one of Bolton's new sandwich staples.

Their menu features homemade focaccias, house-made pesto, and various flavours of mortadella, Stracciatella, and basil.

Jonathon has grown up cooking his entire life, perfecting pizza and sourdough for the past ten years.

His brother, Stefan, shares that watching Jonathon cook is the epitome of seeing someone in their element, noting that Jonathon is the “mastermind” behind their recipes.

The pair grew up in Bolton, and, as kids, they shared that there was always cooking in their house.

During COVID, while the brothers ran their meal prep company, Jonathon began selling loaves of sourdough and focaccia, and everyone in his life pushed him to open his own store.

“I was always a little skeptical and my mom and my brother said, ‘you need to do this,'” says Jonathon.

When they first opened on October 6, he says they had only one thing in mind: perfection.

“I wanted it to be consistent, every time you come in craving this sandwich, you're getting exactly what you wanted,” says Jonathon.

Sometimes, he shares that he's up all night making focaccia for their business.

The menu is filled with both his own favourites and classic Italian favourites inspired by trips to Italy.

The business currently operates out of its industrial kitchen, where customers can place an order for pickup or delivery.

The two shared it's taken off completely through their social media and word of mouth.

Jonathon adds the speed at which their business has taken off is “overwhelming,” and they've received immense support from the community.

He says he hopes every time someone walks away with one of their sandwiches, it's the “best sandwich they've ever had.”

The two look forward to growing the business over time, selling their loaves and sauces and expanding their menu with specials.

Also expanding in size, Jonathan adds, as they hope to grow to a storefront one day while remaining in the community.

“We grew up our whole lives here,” says Stefan. “We'd rather be here, too, for the rest of all this.”

The store is located at 9-365 Healey Rd, Bolton, and their menu is posted on social media at lafocacciasandwiches.